ST. THECLA THE EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES (SEPT. 24TH)

A Contemporary Icon of St. Thecla, Equal to the Apostles, Co-Worker in the Mission of St. Paul the Apostle

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

St. Thecla, one of the earliest female saints of the Church, is honored as “Equal to the Apostles” for her remarkable life of discipleship and courage. Born in the 1st century in Iconium, in what is now modern-day Turkey, Thecla was from a noble pagan family. Her life was transformed when she heard the Apostle Paul preach the Gospel of Christ, igniting a deep faith that would define her path. She immediately renounced her engagement and chose to dedicate her life to Christ, a decision that would bring about a series of dramatic events, filled with danger and divine intervention.

Upon learning of her decision, Thecla’s family and fiancé were enraged, seeking to silence her newfound devotion. She was imprisoned and sentenced to death by burning. However, as she stood in the flames, God miraculously preserved her life, sending a powerful storm to extinguish the fire. Undeterred by the persecution she faced, Thecla continued her journey, following St. Paul and proclaiming the Good News wherever she went.

Her travels brought her to Antioch, where once again she faced threats to her safety. After refusing the advances of a powerful magistrate, she was condemned to death, this time by wild beasts in the arena. Yet, as lions and bears were released upon her, they miraculously laid down at her feet, sparing her life. These miraculous occurrences, witnessed by many, became powerful testimonies to the protection and providence of God.

Despite repeated attempts to end her life, Thecla persevered in her mission, baptizing herself in a pool of water after escaping yet another death sentence. Her boldness in taking this step was an expression of her deep faith and unwavering commitment to Christ, signifying her total surrender to God’s will. Afterward, she returned to Iconium, where she continued her ministry, converting countless souls to the Christian faith through her teaching and miracles.

A Mural of Sts. Paul and Thecla in a Catacomb Church 

St. Thecla is Remembered as a Female Missionary, Founder of Several Ancient Churches 

Many Aspects of St. Thecla’s Iconography Reflect the Idioms Ascribed to the Most Holy Theotokos, as This Contemporary Belorussian Icon from the St. Elizabeth Catalogue Depicts

As she grew older, St. Thecla withdrew to a cave near Seleucia, where she lived a life of solitude and prayer. Even in her hermitage, she continued to heal the sick and cast out demons, earning the love and veneration of the people. Her influence was so profound that many considered her a female Apostle, and she was honored with the title “Equal to the Apostles”, recognizing her tireless labor for the Gospel.

The exact circumstances of St. Thecla’s death are not detailed in the earliest accounts. Tradition holds that she died peacefully in old age, and she is believed to have been buried near her cave in Seleucia, where a shrine was built in her honor. Some later traditions suggest that her death was natural, while others include stories of renewed persecution from pagans, from whom she was miraculously saved once more before dying of natural causes.

St. Thecla’s life stands as a powerful testament to the strength and grace of women in the early Church. She was a pioneer of female monasticism, a fearless missionary, and an icon of purity and holiness. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of Christians, reminding them of the courage needed to follow Christ in the face of persecution.

Though her story is enshrined in early Christian tradition, with mentions in the “Acts of Paul and Thecla”, her veneration spread across the ancient Church, both East and West. She was so highly esteemed by Early Christians, that Muslims also adopted her as an example, calling her “Teklah” and remembering her in a particular cave in the Aramaic-speaking village of Maaloula. Churches, monasteries, and feast days were established in her honor, and she is invoked as a protector of women in all the Ancient Christian traditions, especially those facing adversity and persecution for their faith.

COLLECT 

O Gracious Lord, who didst endue thy holy servant Thecla with boldness to proclaim thy Gospel and with steadfastness to endure all manner of trials: Grant us, we beseech thee, a like courage and devotion, that, being inspired by her example, we may with unshaken faith bear witness to thy truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.